Support assembly for a prosthetic leg

ABSTRACT

A support assembly for supporting a prosthetic leg when said leg is detached from a person. The support assembly comprises a base having a relatively planar surface for supporting the prosthetic leg, an upright structure extending from and supported by the base, and a cradle that receives the leg and secures the leg in place upon the base.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to provisional patentapplication, Ser. No. 60/785,061, filed 23 March 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to support assemblies, and moreparticularly, to a support assembly for prosthetic legs.

Many people who have had a leg amputated are able to move around moreeasily than previously with the use of a prosthetic or artificial leg,especially for an amputee that has had an above knee amputation. Therehave been improvements into the design of the legs to more closelyresemble an actual leg, but there are still areas that can be removedwith respect to the use and storage of artificial legs. Many newadvancements related to prosthetic legs include electrical connectionsso that the prosthetic leg may more closely mimic the movement of anactual leg. However, one problem that still exists is short-term storageof the leg when not in use, so that the leg can be stored in a safe,secure manner, especially if a leg does have extra wiring and cordsconnected to the leg.

For instance, a person generally does not wear a prosthetic leg whensleeping, and the leg is removed prior to sleeping. Removal andreattachment of the leg requires proper, upright alignment of the leg,which may not always be convenient, especially after a person has awokenfrom sleeping and must locate the prosthetic leg. The medical andmedical equipment industry severely lacks devices that assist the-userin quickly and efficiently removing and reattaching a prosthetic leg.Further, there is a need for a device that can store a prosthetic leg ina manner that will protect the leg from potential damage when beingstored. The present invention addresses these issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a support assembly that is designed toprovide amputees with a safe, low cost limb storage system that isadjustable, collapsible and visually pleasing. The device can be used inhospitals, medical facilities, physical and occupational therapyclinics, assisted living, senior citizen homes, behavior facilities,independent living facilities, as well as use in residential homes andcommercial buildings, such as hotels or resorts.

The invention consists of a flat base onto which the prosthetic devicerests and an articulating upright section which securely holds the upperportion (socket) of the prosthetic leg. The stability of the supportassembly allows the user to be confident that their artificial limb willbe protected. Modern artificial limbs contain electronic circuitry thatcan sustain damage with subsequent high repair and replacement costs ifthe device falls or is knocked over. Flexibility in design allows thesupport assembly to be configured for above knee (AK) amputees, to bewider for holding two limbs (for bi-lateral amputees) or shortened forholding below-knee (BK) limbs. Another benefit of the upright design isfor easy accessibility of prosthetic limbs for bi-lateral and below knee(BK) amputees.

When the unit is in a retracted and collapsed position it can beconveniently placed under a bed or other furniture. It can also be hungon the back of a door or on a wall with the use of a ring or hook at thetop of the upright section. Both methods allow the invention to bestored away from view when not in use yet easily accessible whenrequired. The invention will provide maximum safety for the user and theprosthetic leg with easy access and storage.

The invention described is a support assembly that provides a portableand safe device for securing a prosthetic device, preferably anartificial leg. The support assembly has numerous features to allow theuser to adjust the height for different sized limbs. One of the majoraspects of the invention is its storage capabilities. This includes alocking hinge for permitting the support assembly to be collapsed fromthe upright position into a flat position for convenient storage whendevice is not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support assembly according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevated side view of the support assembly of FIG. 1 in anupright position.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a device used to secure a prostheticleg to a support assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a partially cut-away perspective view of an upright structureused with a support assembly in accordance with the present inventionshowing that the upright structure can have an adjustable height.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C provide partially cut-away perspective views anupright structure coupled to a hinge structure for pivoting the uprightstructure in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an elevated side view of the support assembly of FIG. 1 in acollapsed position so that the support assembly may be stored.

FIG. 6 is an elevated side view of the support assembly of FIG. 5 in anelevated storage arrangement.

FIG. 7 is an elevated side view of the support assembly of FIG. 6 in analternate storage arrangement.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of an alternate embodiment of a support assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an elevated side vide of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a planar overhead view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 8 in a collapsedposition.

FIG. 12 shows the support assembly in FIG. 11 in an elevated storagearrangement.

FIG. 13 is a front view of another embodiment of a support assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an elevated side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows the support assembly of FIG. 13 in a collapsed position.

FIG. 16 shows the support assembly in FIG. 13 in an elevated storagearrangement.

FIG. 17 is a front view of yet another alternate embodiment of a supportassembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an elevated side view of the support assembly shown in FIG.17.

FIG. 19 is a planar overhead view of the support assembly shown in FIG.17.

FIG. 20 shows the support assembly of FIG. 17 in a collapsed position.

FIG. 21 provides an alternate embodiment of a support assembly accordingto the present invention capable of supporting a pair of prostheticlegs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodimentsherein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied inother specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has beendescribed, the details may be changed without departing from theinvention, which is defined by the claims. It should be understood thatlike parts will be referred to with like reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 1, a transportable support assembly 10 comprises arelatively planar base 12 and an upright section 14. The base 12 can bemanufactured from various substances and materials. It is preferablethat the base 12 be made of a material that is sturdy and easilycleanable, such as metal, plastic or melamine-coated wood or othersimilar substrates. As shows, the base 12 has a generally rectangularshape, having a pair of opposing sides 12 a, 12 b and 12 c, 12 d.However, the base 12 can be designed at various lengths, widths, andshapes to provide a stable platform that safely supports an artificialleg 50 in an upright position. Due to the various sizes of prostheticlegs, the support assembly 10 can be adapted to be manufactured indifferent sizes. The bottom of the base has a plurality of footingmembers 16 covered with or made from a rubber or rubber-like material toprovide skid resistance. The footing members 16 may be integrally formedwith the base 12 or may be separate structures attached to the base 12.Further, the height of the individual footing members 16 could beadjustable to assist in the base 12 being level with respect to a flooror other surface.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the upright section has a proximal end 14 aand a distal end 14 b. The base 12 and the upright structure 14preferably are connected to one another with a lockable hinge structure18 located at the proximal end 14 a of the upright structure and at theside 12 a of the base 12, but other arrangements could fall within thescope of the present invention. As will be demonstrated morespecifically with respect to FIGS. 4A-5, the hinge structure 18 allowsthe upright structure 14 to be pivoted with respect to the base 12. Thehinge structure 18 allows the upright structure 14 to be positivelylocked in an upright position as shown in FIG. 3 and, also, angled 90degree to a second collapsed, flat position as shown in FIG. 5 forstorage when the assembly 10 is not in use. The hinge structure 18 canbe of various configurations which are known to one skilled in the art.For the purpose of illustrating, FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show examples ofhinges structures that could be incorporated into the scope of thepresent invention.

The upright structure 14 can have a fixed height, but as shown in FIGS.1 and 2, it is preferable that the structure is designed to have anadjustable height. This allows for the assembly 10 to accommodate aboveknee (AK) and below knee (BK) configurations, as well as people havingdiffering sized prosthetic limbs. The upright structure 14 consists oftwo tubes 20, 22 in a mating arrangement that can be of any desiredshape. The tubes 20, 22 have a series of holes 21 so that the tubes 20,22 are in a securable telescoping arrangement. Depressing a pair oflocking buttons 34 simultaneously will allow the tube 22 to be adjustedwithin the tube 20. This adjustment allows the upright structure 14 tobe positioned at various heights for different sized limbs.Alternatively, the upright structure 14 can be constructed of square orround telescoping tubing 54, 56 with a single fastening means 58 asshown in FIG. 3B, and other height adjustment means, such asfriction-type retaining means, could be incorporated into the present Iinvention. Any known arrangement that will allow adjustment of theheight of the upright structure 14 would fall within the scope of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, a prosthetic leg 50 is situated upon the base 12.The leg 50 is held in place upon the base 12 with the use of securingmeans slidingly connected to the upright structure 14, with the securingmeans shown as a cradle 24 in FIG. 2. The cradle 24 has a generallycircularly arranged shape that safely and securely restrains the socketof the artificial limb and is designed and shaped to be generally theshape or the contour of the leg 24. The cradle 24 can be adjusted tovarious heights along the upright structure 14 and locked at variousheight positions through the use of a thumb screw 38 or other similarfastener. The cradle 24 partially surrounds the upper portion of asocket portion 52 of the leg 50 by way of a semi-circular shaped rod 26.The rod 26 preferably is covered with foam or foam-like material 28adding protection against abrasion or damage to the prosthetic leg 50.The securing means further comprises an adjustable elastic strap ortubing 30 that is fixedly secured to a first end 26 a of the cradle 26and releasable connected to a second end 26 b of the rod 26. The use ofthe term tubing or strap is intended to be referred to broadly as anystructure capable of encircling the leg 50 to secure the leg 50 to thesupport assembly 10. The tubing 30 wraps around the socket 52 to lockthe limb 50 in an upright position. The tubing 30 attached to the secondend 26 b of the rod 26 by a hook 32 and eyelet 37 arrangement. However,it is understood that the arrangement of the cradle 24 is only exemplaryand other arrangements could also be incorporated into the invention.For instance, the tubing 30 could be completely separable from the rod26, and latches, buckles, or other devices could be used to adjust andsecure the tubing 30 around the socket 52. Provided that an a devicewill allow for the leg 50 to be held in an upright position upon thebase 12 and preferably allow for the device to be adjusted toaccommodate legs of varying sizes, such securing means would fall withinthe scope of the present invention.

An additional feature of the securing means 24 allows the rod 26 to berotated or pivoted into a position parallel to the upright structure 14to provide for easier storage when the assembly 10 is not in use. Thefastener 38 is loosened, which allows rotation of the rod 26 downwardlyand parallel to the upright structure 14. The fastener 38 is tightenedto hold the securing means 24 in a stored position.

FIG. 3A demonstrates alternative securing means 124, which operatessimilarly to the securing means 24. The securing means comprises acradle 26 having a semi-circular shaped inside surface 140 to supportthe back of the socket 52. A strap 142 is secured to the cradle 126 byway of a fastener such as a hook and loop material 144. The strap 142can be completely removable from the cradle 126, or can be fixedlyconnected at one end of the cradles 126. It is also contemplated thatother securing arrangements could be used as well. For instance, thesecuring means 124 could comprise a solid loop that would allow the leg50 to be inserted through the loop, with the loop being adjusted afterthe leg has been properly positioned upon the assembly 10.

The assembly 10 comprises other features, as well. For example, a hook36 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is located at the distal end 14 b of the uprightstructure 14 that will allow the assembly to hung or stored in anelevated position when not in use. The hook 36 allows the assembly tohang by means of hook 36 on the back of a door 44 or on a wall, as shownin FIG. 6. Alternatively, other hanging means, such as a flat hook 46(FIG. 7) will allow the support assembly 10 to be hung over the top of adoor 44. The assembly 10 may also comprise a retaining hook 35 forholding possible electrical wires 51 that are attached to the prostheticleg 50, which are common with many currently designed prosthetic legs.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the assembly 10 is also designed sothat base 12 provides means for properly aligning the leg 50 on the base12. A pair of spaced apart small rails 44 is formed on the base 12,which are situated on either side of the artificial limb 50 when thelimb 50 is placed on the base 12, thereby preventing any side movementand aligning the limb 50 on the base 12. The rails 44 can be designed toslide inwardly and outwardly to accommodate prosthetic limbs of varyingsizes and widths.

As stated earlier, FIGS. 4A-4C show various locking arrangements of thehinge structure 18, which allows the upright structure 14 to pivot withrespect to the base 12. Normally, the upright structure 14 is in alocked position with respect to the base 12. When locking pins 34 arepressed inwardly, the upright structure 14 can pivot to the arrangementshown in FIG. 4C, with the upright section 14 being relatively parallelto the base 12 to ease in storing the assembly 10. Similarly a pin 134as shown in FIG. 4B could be used in a similar fashion as the pin 34 topivot the upright structure 14 from a locked upright position to asecond storage position. Provided that an arrangement allows for suchmovement from a first upright position to a second stored position, itis understood to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Once the upright structure 14 is pivoted downwardly, the assembly 10will be in the collapsed storage position shown in FIG. 5. If theupright section 14 is adjustable, as described in FIGS. 1 and 2, thesections 20, 22 will be telescoped inwardly to make the assembly 10 morecompact for storage purposes. The support assembly 10 can be slide undera bed 48 or other furniture or as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, theassembly 10 could be hung on a hook 43 (FIG. 6) or on a door 44 with theuse of a hanger member 46 (FIG. 7).

FIGS. 8-12 show an alternate embodiment of a support assembly 110according to the present invention. The support assembly 110 provides asimilar function as that of the support assembly 10 to assist the userin removing and storing the prosthetic leg 50. The assembly 110comprises a base and an upright section 114, with the upright sectionbeing capable of having an adjustable height, as discussed with theassembly 10 and FIGS. 1-7. The upright section 114 preferably comprisesa first section 120 and a second section 122, which are telescopinglyarranged with one another. An adjustable screw 123 allows adjustment ofthe height of the upright section 114. It is noted that eitherarrangement for adjusting the height of the upright sections 14, 114could be incorporated into either assembly 10, 110, or other possibleembodiments. The base 112 is supported by footing members 116 and 117,and the base inclines downwardly from a first end 112 a to a second end112 b, which allows the prosthetic leg 50 to be held in place at aslight incline. The footing member 116 is preferably at a lowerelevation than the footing member 117. The arrangement may be preferableto some users, as it may be easier to remove or position the prostheticleg 50 with such a slope.

Securing means 124 positions the leg 50 on the base 112, similarly tothe previously described securing means 24. The securing means 124comprises a belt 126 with a latching mechanism 128 that can be adjustedto firmly secure the leg 50 in place. The leg 50 can be properly alignedand positioned by way of a pair of railings 144 located on the base 112.As noted previously with the railings 44 in FIGS. 1 and 2, the railings144 are capable of being adjusted so that they may accommodate variouslysized legs 50.

Referring to FIG. 10, the support assembly 110 and the base 112 arestabilized by cross-supports 118 and 120. The cross-supports 118, 120preferably form a “T-shaped” arrangement, thereby providing stabilityfor the support assembly 110. The cross-supports 118, 120 may behingedly connected to one another, connected in a secure fashion, or bearranged as separate pieces that could be interlocked together whenused. However, a support arrangement similar to that described in FIGS.1-7 could be incorporated into the assembly, as well. Provided that theassembly 110 provides a solid base 112 for supporting the leg 50 whenthe leg 50 is not being worn by an amputee, the assembly 110 will fallwithin the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the support assembly 110 being arranged for storageas previously described. The upright section 114 will be pivoteddownwardly towards the base 112. The cross-support 120 is connected tothe cross-support 118 by way of a hinge 132, and is pivoted inwardlytowards the cross-support, which allows for the assembly 110 to be morecompact for storage. The assembly may then be stored as previouslydescribed, such as by hanging the assembly 110 on a door 44 with thehanger member 46.

FIGS. 13-16 provide yet another support assembly 210 for supporting aprosthetic leg. The assembly generally comprises a base 212, an uprightsection 214, and securing means 240. The base 212 and the securing means240 are generally arranged as the previously described bases 12, 112 andsecuring means 24, 124, respectively, while the upright section 214generally comprises a tripod arrangement. The upright section comprisesa first section 220 and a second section 222 that are connected by ahinge 221 or similar structure. The first section 220 can be connectedto the base 212 by a second hinge structure 228. The first section 220comprises a first leg member 218 and the second section 222 comprises apair of spaced apart leg members 215 and 216, thereby providing a tripodarrangement and support for the base 212. A cross bar member 224 extendsacross the width of the base 212 from the leg member 214 to the legmember 216 to provide further support and stability for the base 212. Alatching area 226 located on the base 212 can be use to secure the crossmember to the base 212 when in the support position, as shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 15 shows the support assembly 210 folded inwardly into a storedposition. The base 212 is moved upwardly so that the cross-member isreleased from the cross bar member 224, and the base 212 and the firstupright section 220 are pivoted towards one another. The first uprightsection 220 and the second upright section 222 are also pivoted towardsone another, thereby providing a compact storage position, as shown inFIG. 16. The support assembly 210 may then be stored with the use of alatch 246 and hung on a the door 44 (shown in phantom).

FIGS. 17-20 show a further embodiment 310 according to the presentinvention. The support assembly 310 has a flexible base 312 that issupported by an upright section 313 comprising a plurality of uprightmembers 314, 316, and 318, which are preferably arranged in a tripodarrangement (see FIG. 19). The base 312 can be made of a durable,flexible material, such as a denim or canvas material that can be pulledtaut to provide a flat sturdy base 312 when the assembly 310 is in anupright position (FIGS. 17 and 18) and pulled inwardly to a compactstorage position (FIG. 20). It is understood that more legs maycomprises the upright section 313 and to support the base 312. Adurable, flexible material 320, which can be of the same material as thebase 312, surrounds the upright members 314, 316, and 318, and theprosthetic leg 50 is held in place with a strap 322 or other securingmeans, similar to the previously described securing means, therebyproviding adequate support for the prosthetic leg 50.

As with the previously described support assemblies, the supportassembly 310 may be compacted into a storage position, as shown in FIG.20. The upright members 314, 316, and 318 are folded inwardly and thebase 312 is folded inwardly, generally in an accordion style. Theassembly 310 can further comprise a strap or similar device 350 forreleasably securing the assembly in the stored position of FIG. 20. Theassembly 310 may comprise a hook 324 or other hanging or storage meansto further store the assembly, as discussed with the previousassemblies.

FIG. 21 further demonstrates the adaptability of the present invention.A support assembly 410 generally comprising a base 412 and an uprightsection 414. Securing means 416 are attached to the upright section 414by way of an adjustable screw 430. The securing means 416 comprise afirst cradle 418 and a second cradle 420 that are each designed andarranged to receive an individual prosthetic leg 50 (not shown). Straps422 and 424 are releasably connectable to the respective cradles 418 and420 to hold an individual prosthetic leg in place. As with thepreviously discussed arrangements and embodiments, the straps 422 and424 can be connected with hooks, eyelets, hook and loop arrangements,buckles, belts, or any similar arrangements. The upright section 414further comprises a first section 426 and a second section 428 thatallow the height of the upright section 414 to be adjusted. The supportassembly 410 is advantageous for use by a double amputee, as it providesa single support structure for supporting both prosthetic legs 50. Ahinge structure 432 allows for the upright section 414 to be pivotablyconnected to the base 412 and locked in an upright position or a storageposition, as discussed with the other assemblies.

The assembly 410 may further comprise footing members 434 that providestability and support the assembly 410. The base 412 may also support aplurality of railing members 436 that provide alignment means for thelegs 50. The railing members 436 may be at a fixed position oradjustable in width, as previously described.

The present invention provides greatly assists an amputee with removingand storing the prosthetic leg 50 in a manner and fashion that willminimize potential damage to the leg 50 and, also, situate the leg forquick and efficient attachment when necessary. For example, when aperson is ready to sleep, the person can sit down on the bed 48 shown inFIG. 5, pull out the assembly 10, and move the assembly 10 to theupright position shown in FIG. 1. The person would disconnect anyelectrical connections 51 and secure them in the retaining hook 35,shown in FIG. 2. The prosthetic leg 50 would then be removed from theperson's leg. The person would then move the prosthetic leg 50 onto thebase 12, as shown in FIG. 2, and secure the leg 50 into place with thesecuring means 24. The person would be able to lie down and sleep. Whenthe person awakes, the leg 50 would be in a proper position for theperson to easily reattach the leg 50.

Thus, the present invention provides a storage and support device for aprosthetic leg that can take various shapes and may be used in a varietyof settings. Further, any of the various features of the describedembodiments can be incorporated into other embodiments of the presentinvention. For example, the upwardly sloped base 112 shown in FIG. 8could be incorporated into one of the other embodiments. The capabilityof the assembly to be compacted for storage purposes also allows theassembly to be easily transportable from one place to another. Providedthat a support assembly can secure a prosthetic limb in place and beeasily stored by collapsing or folding the support assembly, the supportassembly would fall within the scope of the present invention.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changeswill readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired tolimit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed. While the preferred embodiment has been described, thedetails may be changed without departing from the invention, which isdefined by the claims.

1. A support assembly for supporting a prosthetic leg when said leg is detached from a person, said support assembly comprising: a base having a relatively planar surface for supporting said prosthetic leg; an upright structure extending from and supported by said base; and means for securing said prosthetic leg to said upright structure.
 2. The support structure according to claim 1 wherein said securing means further comprises: a cradle attached to said upright structure, said cradle sized to receive said prosthetic leg; and a strap being releasably connected to said cradle, said strap surrounding said prosthetic leg to secure said leg.
 3. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein said upright structure has an adjustable height.
 4. The support assembly according to claim 1 wherein said upright structure is pivotable with respect to said base.
 5. The support assembly according to claim 1 further comprising means for elevated storage of said support assembly when said support assembly is not in use.
 6. The support assembly according to claim 1 wherein said prosthetic leg further comprises an electrical connection, said support assembly further comprising means for retaining said electrical connection.
 7. The support assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of spatially separated rails located on said base, said rails providing means for aligning said leg on said base.
 8. The support assembly according to claim 1 wherein said securing means is capable of securing two individual prosthetic legs to said support assembly.
 9. A support assembly for supporting a prosthetic leg when said leg is detached from a person, said support assembly comprising: a base having a relatively planar surface for supporting said prosthetic leg; an upright structure supported by said brace; and adjustable means for releasably securing said prosthetic leg to said upright structure.
 10. The support assembly according to claim 9, wherein said upright structure has an adjustable height.
 11. The support assembly according to claim 10 wherein said upright structure is pivotable with respect to said base.
 12. The support assembly according to claim 9 wherein said securing means comprises an adjustable strap arranged to surround said leg when said leg is being supported by said base.
 13. The support assembly according to claim 9 wherein said securing means further comprises: a cradle being sized to receive said prosthetic leg; and an adjustable strap securable to said cradle, said strap arranged to secure said leg to said support assembly when said leg is being supported by said base.
 14. The support assembly according to claim 9 wherein said base comprises a first end and a second end, said base being sloped from said first end to said second end.
 15. The support assembly according to 9 further comprising means for aligning said leg on said base.
 16. The support assembly according to claim 15 wherein said aligning means comprises a pair of spaced apart rails located on said base, said spacing of said rails being adjustable.
 17. A support assembly for supporting a prosthetic leg, said support assembly comprising: a base having a relatively planar surface for supporting said prosthetic leg; an upright structure supported by said brace, said upright structure comprising at least two individual upright members; and adjustable means for securing said prosthetic leg to said upright structure when said leg is being supported by said base.
 18. The support assembly according to claim 17 wherein said base comprises a flexible material, said flexible material being foldable to provide a reduction in size of said support assembly when said support assembly is not in use.
 19. The support assembly according to claim 17 wherein said upright structure is pivotal with respect to said base.
 20. The support assembly according to claim 17 wherein said upright structure further comprises a tripod. 